“Some authors have inspirational stories to tell, while others have insightful points to make. What makes Caleb’s writing so powerful is that God has given him both.”​

—Kyle Idleman, author of Not a Fan and senior pastor of Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY

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"Messy Grace was a deeply encouraging, inspiring, and convicting read. It not only offers practical advice but fosters a sense of compassion and empathy that the church has often lacked toward the LGBTQ community."

—Jackie Hill-Perry, author of Gay Girl, Good God

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“Caleb’s story downs categories, crushes stereotypes, and will make you think differently than you thought before—regardless of your convictions. Anyone who loves Jesus and loves friends and family members who are LGBT will want to read this fascinating book. Okay, scratch the conditions. I think anyone is going to want to read this book.” 

—Carey Nieuwhof, host of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast and author of At Your Best and Didn’t See It Coming

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“Messy Grace shows how grace can enter into the mess of life and draw people to God’s love and goodness of God.” 

—Darrell L. Bock, executive director for cultural engagement and senior research professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary

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“The narrative in Messy Grace is strong and compelling. It’s an easy read, and the writing is clear, funny, and profound. Readers will learn how to stand in the tension of truth and grace as they identify with Caleb through all the messiness, tears, victory, and sin. We know Jesus wins, and yet Caleb’s life (and yours and mine, to tell the truth) is still very, very messy. It always will be this side of eternity.”

—Rosaria Butterfield, former tenured professor of English at Syracuse University, and author of The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert 

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“I appreciate how Caleb has personally walked in the midst of this issue. He does a good job balancing compassion with LGBTQ Individuals and the church’s response.”

—Chap Clark, former professor of Youth, Family & Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary

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“Caleb’s story is surprising and unique, and he weaves it together compellingly. He states his views clearly, leaves room for disagreement, and champions love no matter where you are in this conversation.” 

—Jud Wilhite, senior pastor, Central Christian Church

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“I loved Messy Grace! These pages are filled with humility, compassion, and powerful insights as Caleb’s story profoundly demonstrates that grace is both messy and beautiful.”

—Mike Foster, People of the Second Chance

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“This is an important conversation for the church today, and no one’s story makes them better suited for it than Caleb Kaltenbach. In a world that tries to force everyone to take sides, Caleb speaks from the inside of both worlds. Gay or straight, Christian or non-Christian, everyone can learn from and be impacted by Messy Grace.” 

—Lane Jones, director of strategic partnerships, multisite ministry & global missions at North Point Ministries, and co-author of Communicating for a Change

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“Pastor Kaltenbach gives his readers much help on what to do and what not to do among LGBT people. At the same time, he recognizes and emphasizes that this is a ‘messy’ world, and that God calls us to affirm Jesus in the midst of the messiness, rather than to expect a precise answer to every question.” 

—Dr. John Frame, retired J.D. Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology & Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary

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"Through the eyes of someone who has seen the dark side of modern-day Pharisees in the church, Caleb shares a perspective on the way words and actions alienate the very people who need to hear the Gospel message of love, grace, repentance, and forgiveness."

 —Dr. John Derry, former president of Hope International University and Dallas Christian College

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"The narrative in Messy Grace is strong and compelling. It’s an easy read, and the writing is clear, funny, and profound. Readers will learn how to stand in the tension of truth and grace as they identify with Caleb through all the messiness, tears, victory, and sin."

—The Gospel Coalition

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“A fascinating story about how this young man, born to two gay parents and raised by his mother and her partner, ultimately came to faith in Christ and is today a pastor of a growing church. In the process of reading Caleb’s story, he also offers readers valuable insights about how to engage gay people with the gospel in a faithful yet winsome manner that shows the love of Christ rather than anger and rejection. This is an important issue in today’s culture, and church leaders need to understand the realities discussed so effectively in this book.” 

—Preaching Magazine

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